Legislation could grant one year wait for flood insurance rate increase

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- A hike in flood insurance rates could be on the horizon.

There is a measure moving through Capitol Hill to put a one-year reprieve on paying more for flood insurance.

First Coast News wanted to know how people on the First Coast felt about the legislation.

The people who live near McCoy creek said it is a way of life. They said every time it rains, they watch the water to see how high it'll go.

For Emma Lovett, there's 65 years of memories at her home near the creek.

Memories of how nearby McCoy creek acts whenever it rains heavily.

"When it floods down the hill I walk down the hill and look at it," she said.

She began to sweep her patio area after we talked about flood insurance.

A 2013 FEMA flood map of her area showed she lived just outside of the flood zone. Lovett told FCN that she does not have flood insurance.

"I've thought about it," She admitted. "But I don't need it," she said with a laugh and a smile.

There is a measure meandering through the US Senate that would create a temporary one-year reprieve for homeowners with flood insurance and their premiums. The House US of Representatives has passed a similar measure.

Under last year's overhaul, many homeowners could face higher premiums when new flood maps are drawn. If her new flood map is drawn to include her, Lovett worries she may not be able to afford flood insurance if she needs it.

"I know it would," Lovett said, talking about how she says higher rates would make affording flood insurance more difficult. "Yes. Especially on a fixed income. Your money goes so far."

For now, she said she's just going to watch the creek like she's done for the last six decades.

"It would have to rain 40 days and 40 nights like Jesus said. Then, I might be flooded out," she said with a smile.

FCN reached out to several of our area Congressional representatives for comment on the measure.